By SUNDAY JOHN

The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army, Doma, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo, has inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try 12 soldiers accused of various offences, including alleged murder, assault and aiding criminality.

Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday in Doma, the Commander, represented by the President of the General Court Martial, Col. Salihu Ibrahim, said the convening order was issued pursuant to powers conferred on him by Section 131(2)(d) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He said the court was constituted to hear the cases of all accused personnel and determine each matter strictly on its merit.

“The court will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“We are also mindful of the cardinal principle of criminal justice that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Where the prosecution fails to establish any allegation beyond reasonable doubt, the court will discharge and acquit the accused person.

“Conversely, where an accused person is found guilty, the law will take its course in accordance with the provisions governing such offences,” he said.

He assured all parties of the court’s commitment to fairness, justice and professionalism, urging prosecution and defence counsels to avoid unnecessary delays and frivolous adjournments.

The court president maintained that speedy disposal of the cases would serve the interest of justice and ensure confidence in the military justice system.

However, trial could not commence immediately after the inauguration as six of the accused persons present in court were declared medically unfit to stand trial.

The court’s Medical Orderly, Sgt. Audu Ahmadu, informed the panel that five of the six accused persons had elevated blood pressure levels.

Following the development, the prosecutor, Capt. Shamsondeen Sadiq, urged the medical orderly to ensure that the affected personnel received adequate medical attention to enable the trial to commence.

The President of the court subsequently adjourned proceedings to a later date, which would be communicated to all parties.

Speaking with newsmen after the inaugural sitting, Barr. George Illah, counsel to one of the accused persons, commended the Command for constituting the court martial.

He expressed confidence in the competence of the panel, noting that the president of the court, other members and the Judge Advocate were qualified to discharge their responsibilities.

“As a defence counsel, I will do my best to ensure that the soldiers standing trial before this honourable court martial get the justice they deserve.

“It is important for people to understand that military personnel standing trial before a court martial are entitled to all constitutional and legal rights guaranteed under the law, and we will ensure that those rights are protected,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the General Court Martial include Col. A.A. Buhari, Lt.-Col. Victor Yamu, Lt.-Col. A.K. Karma and Lt.-Col. S. Abdullahi.

Others are Maj. J.M. Usendeng, Maj. A.D. Ahmed, Maj. U. Ahmed, Maj. S.L. Sagu, while Capt. U. Nna serves as Judge Advocate. (NAN)

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